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Fig. 2 | BMC Family Practice

Fig. 2

From: A qualitative evidence synthesis to explore healthcare professionals’ experience of prescribing opioids to adults with chronic non-malignant pain

Fig. 2

Conceptual framework: this figure illustrates the conceptual framework that demonstrates the complex decision ‘Should I shouldn’t I?’ prescribe opioids for chronic non-malignant pain. The decision is underpinned by the need to decipher ambiguity. ‘Social guardianship’ tips the balance against a decision to prescribe, whereas a sense that ‘pain is pain’ tips the balance towards prescribing. However the decision is not straightforward. The influence of the themes, ‘moral boundary work’, ‘walking a fine line’ and ‘regulations and guidelines’ are not clear-cut and add complexity to the decision

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